A teaching degree question

[dsc]

I have been subbing in many special ed classes lately and many of them think I have special ed certification but I actually don't. But, I could get provisional certification and teach while getting my certification. I am currently certified in high school math. I have two questions. One is just how many teaching of reading classes does a person have to take to get certification in special ed or elementary ed? Two, is just how much does on really learn in those classes? I think I could handle pretty much every thing except the teaching of reading. I am wondering just how far behind an ordinary teacher I would be at first and how long I would be behind.

[Catshrink]

1. I think a lot of that depends on the state you work in...

I can answer AZ questions for you.

[Qanisqineq]

2. I have a question about teaching too

I have a B.S. in biology and a Master's degree in biological science. Lately I've been thinking about teaching high school biology... what do I need to do? I realize this may vary from state to state, but do I need to get another 4 year degree in education or something? Or how do I find out?

The tiniest bit of help would be greatly appreciated!

[Catshrink]

3. No, you don't need another 4 year degree!

I wanted to teach for over 20 years, after graduating with a degree in Chemistry. I finally got off my butt and completed a teacher prep program. It took me about 18 months, start to finish, to complete 7 academic classes in education, a couple of seminars, and student teaching.

I went to a community college that had a mostly online program. It made things much easier because of work and family responsibilities. The entire program was about $3000. A friend of mine did it at University of Phoenix and paid $11,000. Guess what? The first year of teaching the salary is crap regardless of where you went to school and whether you did a post-bac program or have a BA in Education.

Where do you live?

[Qanisqineq]

5. Thanks!

Currently in IL but moving to CO this summer for an unknown period of time (my husband is military). Thanks for the info.

[Catshrink]

6. I lived in IL when I first got serious about teaching...

then had to move to AZ for family reasons. IL had some bizarre requirements. Because my area is chemistry, they wanted me to be certified in two areas. Bull-fuckin'-loney!

Seriously, check the community colleges. They are very progressive. I went to Rio Salado College here in Phoenix. They have students from all over.

http://www.rio.maricopa.edu/

[dsc]

7. Illinois is ludricrious

They really go overboard.

[Qanisqineq]

8. IL is not my home state

so I probably won't be "settling" here in the future.

[Catshrink]

9. I'm torn between moving back to Chicago or back to Seattle...

I doubt I'll stay here in Phoenix once my dad moves on.... I can't stand it here!

[dsc]

4. Many states have alternate certification for people

who are in your situation. This is especially true in southern states. You also have a good field. Check with your state's dept of education.

[Karmadillo]

Check out the website for the state where you want to teach. For example,

here's the link describing the routes to licensure in Virginia:

http://www.pen.k12.va.us/VDOE/newvdoe/licroute.htm

Here's a link to the specific courses required for a license to teach Biology (page 53):

http://www.pen.k12.va.us/VDOE/Compliance/TeacherED/nulicvr.pdf

In addition, you'd have to pass a couple of PRAXIS tests to show an adequate grasp of general knowledge and knowledge in your chosen field (I think, and I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong, these tests are required by all states, although each state gets to set their own acceptable scores).

Good luck!

[Catshrink]

12. You're right about the testing...

AZ didn't use PRAXIS, or at least didn't call it that, but it was an area proficiency test.

[silverlib]

10. Also, in some states

(Texas, believe it or not) you get years of service credit in your field. So, if you actually work in the field of science and become certified, (emergency, temporary are general) your years of experience count just as if you have always taught. This really unnerves many teachers in Texas, but the need for teachers in certain areas is critical.

[many a good man]

11. Teaching of Reading is really cool

It was one of the only Education classes I found really interesting. I never taught reading but thought it was cool any way. Its fascinating about how the brain learns how to read and what your brain has to know to be able to recognize and make sense out of a story.

I got a Masters in education and about 95% was a complete waste of time. Inquire about alternative, experiential programs that may allow you to bypass this waste of time...

[dsc]

13. I alreadly have a masters in education

it just is in high school instead of primary or special ed. I would assume that I wouldn't have to repeat things like child psych etc.

[many a good man]

14. Aren't they pretty hard up for SpEd teachers?

I would think they'd make it extra easy for you... Probably just some seminars or week long classes. Each state will be different.

[dsc]

15. My distict is having some problems in that regard

They have had long term subs in one class for some time now. But this isn't only a can I get certified thing but how far behind will I be when trying to teach before I take the classes? I don't want to mess up teaching them.